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ALEXIS C
PAST ISSUES
SGA budget struggle jeopardizes possible guest speaker
by Andrea
M. Garcia
Exchange Staff
Due to a lack of funding, the Gay-Straight
Alliance (GSA) is struggling to book a guest speaker, whose son was murdered for
being gay.
Judy Shepard has become an activist ever since her son,
Matthew was murdered allegedly for being gay. But, with 28 clubs
established and four classes all in need of money from the Student
Government Association (SGA), funds are tight, and the SGA is unsure if they can
afford Shepard.
"They can fund $10,000 for Star Trek, but they can't fund for something that truly matters and will help our community out - our Student Government then needs a definite re-election," sophomore Nora Cuddy said, referring to last year's Sci-Fi convention.
"They have Teach-Ins and speakers
come in to discuss the problems with racism and sexism, but there is never a
speaker to discuss the problems with homophobia, it seems as if the gay
community on campus does not have a voice," said Michael Rodriguez, a
freshman.
Shepard has been touring the world speaking out against
hate crimes since 1998, after the highly publicized murder of her son
Matthew Shepard. He was brutally murdered for being gay while he was away
at college. He was 21 when it happened. Since then Judy Shepard has been
promoting tolerance and acceptance.
In remembrance of Matthew Shepard's death, October 10 is also National Coming OUT Day, which the GSA holds an event for each year.
Hal Sparks, who is an
icon to the gay community due to his popular work on the hit TV show "Queer
as Folk," is also scheduled on campus later this month for stand-up.
The GSA's president Paul Clifford said, "They are both
bringing a modern spin on diversity in the college community in a positive
way. I just hope we get the chance to [hold the events]."